This summer, AFS-USA launched three new immersive, U.S.-based pilot programs designed to bring our intercultural learning model to communities across the United States and help create more resilient, connected communities. The programs ranged from connecting history and contemporary perspectives in the Pacific Northwest, to diving into the culture and cuisine of Chicago’s neighborhoods, to exploring emerging fields and essential career skills at Miami University.
As we look ahead to developing the next round of U.S.-based programs, we’re looking for volunteers who want to help shape what comes next and be a part of building bridges in our own backyard.
Watch this short video about AFS-USA’s domestic initiative.
Could your Area Team help create a new program?
We’re looking for new and seasoned volunteers who are excited to collaborate with the AFS-USA Innovation Team to explore and co-design a pilot program in their community in 2027 and beyond.
You might be a great fit if you:
- Are part of an Area Team looking for a new opportunity to engage your community
- Have a particular interest, skill, career, cultural connection, or area of expertise you’d love to share with young people
- Have ideas for a compelling local theme, destination, or experience
- Enjoy creating cultural experiences or bringing people together
- Are a longtime volunteer looking for a new challenge, or a newer volunteer or alum looking for a different way to get involved
You know your community best. Your local knowledge, relationships, creativity, and perspective can help us identify the places, people, stories, and experiences that could become meaningful AFS programs for young people.
What could a pilot program look like?
U.S.-based programs generally run one to three weeks, with a small group of participants, and focus on a compelling theme or destination that highlights the unique strengths, history, and culture of the community.
Programs are developed collaboratively by volunteers, AFS-USA staff, and other subject-matter experts, combining AFS-USA workshops and reflection with theme-based activities, local experiences, and an impact project.
And you don’t have to do it alone. The work is shared among the planning team, with volunteer and staff leads/co-leads helping coordinate responsibilities.
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions about building domestic pilot programs on the Innovation Hub to learn more!
Interested in exploring the possibility?
If your Area Team, or you as an individual volunteer, has an idea for a U.S.-based program or would simply like to learn more about what could be possible, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us via this form.
You don’t need to have a fully developed program idea. We’re looking for volunteers who are curious, creative, and interested in exploring what we could build together.
Thank you for helping us continue to find new ways to create meaningful intercultural experiences for young people, and for bringing the AFS mission to life in your own communities.
With appreciation,
The AFS-USA Innovation Team
P.S. Stay up to date and find resources for promoting these programs on the Innovation Hub.